Binghamton always offers a lot of dining options. During the next ten days, eating out in the city is extra appetizing. Tuesday marked the beginning of Restaurant Week. Our Melissa Kakareka gives us a taste of what's being offered.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Anne Korutz and her longtime friends go out to eat once a month. Binghamton's Spring Restaurant Week brought them to the Cortese Restaurant on Tuesday.

"Because this was Restaurant Week, I did some leg work and looked at all the menus and decided it wasn't a far drive. We wanted to do something different,” said Johnson City resident Anne Korutz.

In fact, many customers at Cortese's took a bite out of the Restaurant Week menu. And it will be similar at restaurants across the city throughout the next ten days, meaning a big boost in business for the 23 participating restaurants.

"Typically, the past few restaurant weeks, we will see a little increase today, a little more tomorrow and then by Friday, Saturday, we'll be really busy and that will carry through to the following week," said Little Venice Restaurant Vice President Piero Lisio.

"It gets very busy. We have three dining rooms. So we accommodate quite a few people. Every day is busy at lunch and dinner," said Cortese Restaurant Manager Denise Hutchings.

The event helps attract new customers into businesses the customers may have never tried before. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton. Plus, it's a social event for the entire community.

"First, they want a little history about Restaurant Week. We give them that. Then, they realize I have an accent. They want to know where I'm coming from. So it's kinda of nice. You meet new people," said Crepe Heaven owner Sead Hadziabdic.

"It's exciting. It's fun. It is like creating another holiday really," said Lisio.

Customers can have their appetite for food, flavor and fellowship satisfied for a small price.

"It's nice that they have it. You can't beat it for the price," said Korutz.

Many local restaurants will be offering three-course lunch and dinner special for under $25.

Restaurant Week runs until March 21st.